Science Fair Projects Incandescent vs Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Hypothesis
Are fluorescent light bulbs more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs?

Materials

Procedure

1. In the container place the thermometer. Note the temperature on the thermometer.
2. Make a comparison chart
3. Then put one light bulb at a time in the enclosed container. Turn the lightbulb on, close the lid and leave it in there for about 15 mintues. Then look at the temperature gage to see what the temperature is inside the container. Test each bulb 6 times.
4. Also measure light and wattage. You can do this by measuring the light given off by each bulb at 4-different distances using a light meter. Measure the wattage of each bulb with a watt meter.

Results
The incandescent light bulbs are 75% less efficient than the fluorescent light bulbs.

The wattage measurements were consistent with the rated watts and the light output was approximately the same for each equivalent bulb. Therefore, incandescent light bulbs waste energy in the form of heating the air in the room.

Conclusions
The fluorescent light bulbs are more efficient than predicted. The wattage and light output was approximately the same for the two types of bulbs. This experiment demonstrates that there could be significant energy savings if people used fluorescent rather than incandescent light bulbs in their homes and businesses.

See Lighting Conservation Energy Ideas to come up with other science fair projects and experiments.

Solar House	Fuel Cell Car	PicoTurbine Windmill	SCG-125 Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy
Ages 12 thru High School	Ages 12 thru High School	Age 10 thru college	Ages 8 and up